Prevent Blindness America

Mary Pointer

Prevent Blindness America (PBA) announced that Mary Blankenship Pointer, SVP of UMB Bank, and Cynthia Owsley, PhD., Nathan E. Miles chair of ophthalmology, professor, and vice chair for clinical research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, have been elected to the Prevent Blindness America board of directors. The vote was held on July 30 at the 2011 PBA Summer Board Meeting in Chicago.

Cynthia Owsley

Blankenship Pointer has more than 30 years of experience working in the banking and finance industry. In addition, she has devoted countless hours to various philanthropic efforts serving on the board of directors of Prevent Blindness Oklahoma for eight years, including serving two terms as Board Chair. In addition to her work as the vice chair of ophthalmology at UAB, Cynthia Owsley is an award winning researcher, published author and consultant on vision health issues.

CooperVision

Dennis Murphy

CooperVision Inc. announced executive leadership changes, effective Nov. 1. Dennis Murphy, president, Americas, will be promoted to executive vice president for global sales and marketing. Andrew Sedgwick, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, will be promoted to president, Americas, including Latin America. Juan Carlos Aragon, president, Asia Pacific and Latin America, will be promoted to president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and will continue to be responsible for Australia and New Zealand. Fernando Torre, executive vice president, global operations, will add global distribution and packaging to his responsibilities.

Salus University

Thomas L. Lewis

Long-time Salus University president, Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD, announced he is stepping down effective June 30, 2012. The institution’s second longest serving president, Dr. Lewis led the transition of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry from a single to multi-purposed institution with the addition of a variety of degree programs that built on PCO’s legacy of educating health care professionals. As a result of this growth, Salus University was established in 2008. Today the university consists of four distinct colleges that offer 10 accredited degree programs in optometry, audiology, physician assistant studies, blindness and low vision rehabilitation and education, and public health.

The Kenmark Group

David Duralde

The Kenmark Group has announced that David Duralde has been promoted to chief creative officer. Since 2005, Duralde has been the company’s vice president of creative development. As chief creative officer, Duralde will report directly to Howard and add a new creative component to the existing executive team comprised of Mike Cundiff, COO and Michelle Clark, CFO. Duralde brings over 20 years of optical industry experience and will oversee the two creative departments, product design and marketing.

Schneider Optical Machines

Kevin Cross

Schneider Optical Machines has hired Kevin Cross, a ten-year optical industry veteran, as director of sales for North America. Prior to joining Schneider, Cross held the role of manager of U.S. ophthalmic sales and marketing for Leybold Optics. In this position, he played a key role in the strategy and fulfillment of AR coating equipment sales. He also held executive sales and operations positions for Carl Zeiss Vision and Northeast Lens.

NVISION

Todd Cooper

NVISION Laser Eye Centers announced that Todd Cooper has joined the company as chief executive officer “to support the company's continued growth as a premier provider of Lasik and cataract services.” Cooper recently served as a general manager at Henry Schein, where he was responsible for a $400 million business, helping to drive strong growth even during the recession. Previously, Cooper served as the senior vice president of Discus, an aesthetic-based dental company, where he played a role in growing an entrepreneurial based company from $60 million to $165 million in sales over a five-year period.

Maui Jim

Hans-Jürgen Penzek

Maui Jim® has announced that Hans-Jürgen Penzek will assume the position of Vice President of Europe. Penzek has been the Sales Manager of Maui Jim Germany since 2003 and spearheaded the company’s rapid growth and line introductions in that country. Since joining Maui Jim, Penzek has seen the company’s portfolio expand from under 30 frame styles to more than 86 in 200 SKUs that meet the needs of a wide range of sports, from fishing, paddling and boating to golf, tennis and running.

Will Be Missed…Thomas A. "Tom" Minkstein

Thomas A. Minkstein, 64, of Manlius, NY passed away in July, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was employed for 18 years with Frank's Nursery and Crafts in Detroit and Baltimore, was chief operating officer with Empire Vision and D.O.C. (Detroit Optometric Center), and before his retirement in 2008, he created his own consulting business, Minkstein and Associates. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory to the National Kidney Foundation of CNY, 731 James St., Suite 200, Syracuse, NY 13203.